Towing ban keeps tow truck drivers, law enforcement safer (WI)

[TowNews]

VIDEO only available on News Channel Website.

 

MARATHON COUNTY, Wis. (WSAW) -- A towing ban is in effect in Marathon County Sunday, which means no cars can be towed out of the ditch unless it's approved by the sheriff's department.

Local towing company Joe Rader Towing says, if you do see a crash scene with first responders and tows, it's crucial to move over a lane and slow down.

"We're on the side of the road trying to do our job, and they're not slowing down at all, so it's a big safety concern," said Joe Rader.

The sheriff's department issues a towing ban to companies like Joe Rader towing for the safety of tow truck drivers.

"The cars that are not blocking traffic will remain in the ditch until Marathon County deems it safe for us and them to be out on the roads," he said.

It's only lifted once law enforcement decides it is safe again.

"It's so much safer with the tow ban, to let us do our job in a timely fashion, when the snow isn't blowing so hard," he said.

Rader says the most important thing drivers need to do is move over and slow down when approaching the scene of an accident.

"The biggest thing is people not paying attention, inattentive driving, is the biggest thing, and speed, obviously,” he said, noting that distractions like a phone often cause unsafe driving.

Once that towing ban is lifted, the sheriff’s department will have a list of cars that need to be pulled out, and they’ll let Joe Rader know so they can get to work.

 

RESOURCE LINK with video

[GRUMPS The Towman]

They do this around here sometimes during major storms. the occupants  are removed, yellow caution tape is placed on the vehicle to notify others that the vehicle is clear then after the storm subsides, we all go out and start pulling vehicles. It is a ton safer and us tow operators are home warm and safe during the actual storm.

[rreschran]

It's about time law enforcement realized the importance and dangers of vehicle recovery during ice and snow emergencies. This is a safety practice that all law enforcement should take a really close look at. Additionally, once vehicle removal is authorized by the Sheriff, a deputy should be assigned to accompany the tow truck to each recovery scene and remain present during total recovery and removal.  After all of the recent (rash) of tow trucks and first responder strikes and fatalities, it seems like the approach to highway work is starting to change in the way towing and recovery is done. I personally believe that saving lives of pedestrian workers should be the number-one focus of highway response, making that of motorist inconvenience, secondary crashes and the loss of economy being secondary considerations. Note: Secondary crashes are important to realize, however, those motorists involved in secondary crashes are inside their vehicles protected by seatbelts, air-bags, and with the vehicle's body to protect them. Those poor souls tasked with working in these incredibly dangerous environments are MOST at risk and don't stand a chance when a vehicle plow's into a worker's unsuspecting body. I believe preservation of life should and must take prescedence over everything else.  Wouldn't you agree?  R.